While the 1980s has often been labelled as a ‘decade to forget’ for many in terms of fashion and politics, there is one thing which very few people would want to forget – the music.
Let’s face it, the eighties was – in musical terms – a veritable high point when it came to tunes. Consider, for a moment, if you will:
Madonna, Michael Jackson and Prince.
Queen, Wham and Duran Duran.
Aerosmith, Madness and Guns N’ Roses.
Joy Division, The Smiths, and New Order.
Bros, A-Ha and Rick Astley (okay, we were just checking if you were paying attention with that last one).
And yes – there was also Live Aid.
While Peterborough may not have been at the centre of the 80s music scene, Peterborians enjoyed their tunes just as much as anyone else back in the day.
With a wide selection of cool live music venues, some very stylish (and not-so-stylish) nightclubs, and a healthy catalogue of good local bands doing the rounds, the city was a buzzing place to be for anyone who was into music in a big way. Oh and we also had an authentically good local radio station and a legendary disco DJ to call upon as well, just for good measure.
Happily, we can re-visit this era of neon-infused nostalgia whenever we like thanks to our colleagues over at Peterborough Images. So come and join us as we bodypop our way through this wonderful selection of images from the time when music reigned supreme...
5. Inside Andy's Records on Bridge Street
Inside the original Andy's Records store on Lower Bridge Street. The first Andy's Records store was opened in Cambridge by owner Andy Gray in 1976 and expanded to twelve stores across the eastern counties by the early 1980s. From 1992 through to 2002, it was the UK’s largest independent music retailer. Sadly, the company went into administration in 2003 after succumbing to the might of larger retailers. Photo: Peterborough Images Archive
6. Poverty Street
Peterborough band 'Poverty Street', L-R: Rick Salmon, Mick Davison, Tom Collier and in front, Eddie Duff. It's thought this photo was taken circa 1982. Photo: Peterborough Images Archive
7. Hereward Radio (1980)
Hereward Radio presenters shortly after the station launched in 1980 when the studios were based at the bottom of Bridge Street near Town Bridge. “The station you can really call your own” continued as Peterborough’s premier local radio station until 2009 when it was rebranded and swallowed up by Global Radio’s Heart FM network. Pictured here are (L-R): Shaun Tilley (now with Sunshine Radio), Paula Ann Bland (later to star in Grange Hill) and Dave King (still working locally with Steve Allen Entertainments). Photo: Peterborough Images Archive
8. La Scala Magazine #1 (1983)
Full spread pages from La Scala magazine of July/August 1983. The nightclub opened in 1980 on Eastern Terrace next to the POSH ground. "Thursday night is ladies night" Photo: Peterborough Images Archive